LTB True 5.1 [Archive] - Digital Trends

neuroking

11-28-2004, 09:50 PM

Yup, same crap, different label. LTB = Listen to believe the name of their website.

Note to all: use this as a measure for where you should get your info from. I love how teh reviewer wasn't that impressed with them until the final thoughts. Poor contruction, poor drivers, lackluster sound, but it 'mesmerized ' them. Anyone pushing these has no sense of sound quality, just gadgetry and marketing.

I say it again: 5.1 headphones are a gimmick. Correcet sound processing will give you waaaaay better localization than 6 $10 drivers.

OneNutt

11-29-2004, 04:47 PM

Has anyone who has actually used a pair of 5.1 headphones have an opinion on them? It seems almost every review/forum sounds the same. People that use them swear by them and people who don't use them trash them. I ONLY use sound for games. I don't listen to music, I don't watch movies. I know a 70$ pair of 5.1's WON'T sound like a 200$ pair of Sennheiser's or the like. I will never spend that much for them either. I am ready to buy a pair just to try them and prove or disprove it to myself. I am also looking at getting a pair of Sennheiser PC150's for something to compare them to and keeping the best set.

Ioman

11-29-2004, 04:50 PM

Welcome to the Designtechnica forums Mr. Nuts!

Thanks for your input. I can't wait to hear what you have to say about the Sennheiser PC150's, I think you will be pleasantly surprised by how they sound.

OneNutt

11-29-2004, 06:15 PM

And yes, they are being rebadged from what I have seen. Go to:
http://www.listentobelieve.com/wheretobuy.html
and you can see that Ezonics and Sunnytech(Mentor) are both listed there and appear to be very similar. There are a couple 5.1's I am looking at and trying to decide which pair to try. I was looking at trying the LTB-AC97-M, the Kinyo-KY100 and the Gainward Xplosions (the Medusa 5.1 is too much money)

tri3x

12-13-2004, 05:38 PM

Has anyone tried out the LTB-AC97-M? I'm planning to buy it from newegg but I don't want to spend $70 and find out it's a scam.

neuroking

12-13-2004, 05:59 PM

You're looking for this thread...
http://forums.designtechnica.com/showthread.php?t=5745&page=1&pp=10

tri3x

12-13-2004, 06:04 PM

Yep, I read through that and it was one nasty thread. It didn't seem conclusive though, so I thought i'd ask. I'm planning on buying it, then either posting a positive review or slandering the company to death.

tri3x

12-13-2004, 06:46 PM

Bought them from newegg. I'll report back once I get them and try them out.

tri3x

12-17-2004, 09:51 PM

Here's the review, same one I submitted to newegg. If there's any questions, ask me. (but I'm not an audiophile, sorry):

===========
These are the most horrible headphones I have ever used. At all times, you can hear a loud buzzing and clicking noise. The sound is so annoying I can’t use them for more than a minute. I have confirmed this on two computers, and as a control I have tried a passive headphone that works perfectly. My soundcard is a Creative Sound Blaster Live 5.1.

Regular audio sounds terrible as well, feeling like your ears are being tickled and tortured. In the RightMark 3DSound tests, left and right separation worked but I could not tell much difference at all between the rear and front speakers. Transitions from the front to any side were very sudden and unrealistic. In a game test, I could not keep the headphones on for more than a few minutes due to ear pain (even at low volumes).

The headphones are very lightweight and seem comfortable at first, but they pressed on my ears far too much to stay on, even after adjusting them. The USB and 3 audio cables that connect to the computer are very thin, fragile, and completely unshielded.

neuroking

12-18-2004, 02:14 AM

LOL! You were warned.... That would be the $5 drivers pumping that sweet sweet quality sound!

Ioman

12-18-2004, 03:14 AM

Bummer, sorry that you had to spend your money on them. I am hoping a lot of people find this thread and you help others avoid this bad product.

Some of these review sites are terrible, leading their readers on:

"Indisputably, LTB’s headphones have left us satisfied and mesmerized with their 5.1-surround sound production. We had our doubts especially with the volume controller connectivity option, but we are glad to see that True headphones have proved us wrong. The controller does an amazing job in producing crisper and richer sounds to please budget conscious audiophiles. "

haha please budget conscious audiophile! Thats a golden quote there.

jmil

12-22-2004, 10:21 AM

Saw your problem and I would be dissapointed too. Can
We look into your support issue? The problems you mentioned are not normal. Maybe we can swap the headphones at No charge. or find something else to help out. Email us at

support@listentobelieve.com

ECA

12-22-2004, 11:49 AM

YA,
customer service...WOW...
I can give 1 special brownie point just for that..

tri3x

12-22-2004, 05:23 PM

Sorry jmil, already returned them to newegg. I guess you can subtract $60 from your quarterly earnings. Better luck next time, and maybe you should rename your company again.

ECA

12-22-2004, 07:09 PM

WE, do need to hear more from those that have used them..
Take no offence to those that are PART of the company... But we REALLy like independant Views..

Love to see introductions to your products.. But let us Beat them up if we like... We arent that mean..

Grimace

12-25-2004, 03:34 PM

Lets put it this way. First of all I have been gaming online since it pretty much came out and I've always been a PRO-SOUND guy. I've got a pair of PC155 from Sannheiser for my alienware and a pair of LTB True 5.1's for my dell. Now before you guys start to trash talk surround sound headphones let me tell you've something. YOUR AN IDIOT. I've had a pair of $20 Logitechs, Plantronics DSP-500's, a few sennheisers, and a few other low budget headsets/headphones. Now if any of you have ever played the game Americas Army you'd know that one of the most important elements of it is its sound. You can't hear that well your dead. The LTD's I believe to be equal or better to the Sannheiser PC155's I have. Sannheiser is a bit over rated along with Plantronics. I prefer LTD's over anything and if I ever have to buy new one's I look for the LTD ones. A personal review from someone WHO HS AND STILL DOES use surround headphones AND regular headphones.

ECA

12-25-2004, 04:41 PM

But theres a problem..
SOUND cards arnt all made the same. Most dont have the chipset that uses these the BEST.
If you are using the USB, version.. Which is the one we canned. you are lacking GREAT drivers on ALL machines.
If you are using the 2-3 plug set, thats great. esp with spacial sounds. But there are OTHER 5.1 headsets. And the prices are NOT cheap.

neuroking

12-25-2004, 09:00 PM

Now folks, make sure you take note. We must not be very good at reviewing products. After all, we spend our time on things like spelling "you're" correctly. You might know this word from its use in the phrase above ("YOUR AN IDIOT!")

Thank you for proving my point. If _you're_ dumb, I'm sure LTB would be glad to add your poor taste in quality to their 'review' center. If you want quality, look elsewhere.

And seriously, at least take the time to read your flame first. And yes, we believe _you're_ a 'PRO-SOUND guy' when all your cans cost less than $25. Really. We care. Now go away.

jmil

01-05-2005, 09:39 PM

ECA

01-05-2005, 11:40 PM

Love a good debate...

neuroking

01-06-2005, 02:29 AM

Now I know why Lucy pulled the football away! Somebody will always try to kick it! Eh Snoopy? Well opinions usually stop at the user's desk or as I saw someone once post between the chair and the keyboard lies a fool. I maybe numb from adding to this post, but time will tell who is right about 5.1 or maybe some of you less than positive moderators should learn more about the stuff and why it's getting some interest:

http://www.dolby.com/promo/personalsurroundinitiative.html

These guys must be odd reviewers too:
http://reviews.designtechnica.com/review1176.html
( Who do you think Ezonics is getting these from?)

BTW LTB Never compared anything to Sennheiser, you did.

Haha! Love it when people don't read their links or the whole thread. We addressed the fact that the Ezonics were reviewed here, so see the comments earlier int eh thread. Also, the Dolby Personal Surround Initiative is centered around Dolby headphone and Virtual Speaker, neither of which uses 6 drivers. In fact the whole thread has been about how Dolby Headphone (and Virtual Speaker for that matter) use sound processing, like I have pointed out in this thread, to create a sound field. please read the thread first before thinking that I'm flaming LTB for no reason. I could go through the whole damn thing again, but I'll settle for just stating that you just supported my entire argument and leave you to (re-) read the thread.

I love a good argument too, but I feel like I'm just beating up the poor guy at this point. And I like it! Bwahahahaha! :eww

ECA

01-06-2005, 10:27 AM

How about this.

What the REAL complaint IS:
1. you are using a driver that ISNT the best for your product.
2. to create the sound you WISH you need a DRIVEr to handle it properly.
3. accoustics... Maybe with a better DRIVER you can get what YOU WANT.

Myself, I'd love to see a set of subdermal headphones. Place them around the ear, and get EVERYthing you want. Use a magnetic coil to recharge them.
Every use pressurepoints and transferring the sound threw pressure points arround the ear would be cool.

Cham

01-20-2005, 09:33 AM

I had the LTB USB version and they sounded very good.
I play Americas army as well and hearing is critical but that goes with any game. I had a pair of plantronics before buying them and the LTB sounded better. I then purchased a soundblaster card and had to use my plantronics again and not being able to use my card with the LTB I don't know which would sound better, and I don't see how anyone can say the TLB sounded bad unless they just got a bad pair. You have to remember people that post a review you have no idea what their computer is. And alot of them will buy a pair and never try the other and say they have a better set. I don t trust most reviews and that ended up just buying them and trying it for myself. I have 4 people that live on my block that play as well and they couldn't believe how good the LTB sounded but that was before I got the new card and again im in the search for a good pair for the soundblaster. I think the TLB in my test was a great move if you are using on board card. The sound was more directional the bass was great the mids and highs sounded very clear.

When testing the LTB I had
SoundMax Digital audio
Sony Vaio 3.2 HTT Pentium4
1024 3200 400MHz Ram

Note: May not be creditable to some but I have worked with bands and been around the sound for live music sometime. Surely anyone buying a pair of headphones for $60-$100 are not looking for the best. I seen this same review all over the net and most act like they expected everything for under $200.00.

neuroking

01-20-2005, 06:59 PM

You worked for bands, which I assume means you've been around at least moderately good cans, and you own some Plantronics? That's like saying, "Yeah, I race Indy cars, and they're a little faster than my Ford Focus!" For $100 you can get any number of good headphones. Try here:
http://www.headphone.com/layout.php?topicID=2&subTopicID=14

Also, if you're gaming with onboard sound, which is what SoundMax chips are, you're getting zero advanced processing. No EAX, no off loading of environmental sound processing from the CPU.

I'm not trying to flame, I swear, but you were using $5 headphones with a $5 sound chip. The LTB HAVE to sound better than that. You could get a Soundblaster Audigy 2 for $40:
http://designtechnica.shopping.com/xPO-Creative_Labs_Sound_Blaster_Audigy_2

Plus a pair of Shure E2C for $60:
http://designtechnica.shopping.com/xPO-http://designtechnica.shopping.com/xPO-Shure_Shure_E2_earphones_with_foam_and_flex_sleeve

Or PX140's for $45 if you don't like canalphones:
http://designtechnica.shopping.com/xPO-Sennheiser_PX140_SENNHEISER_BEHIND_NECK_NOISE_CANC EL_PC

... and have infinity better all around sound.

Cham

01-22-2005, 10:32 AM

Yeah the plantronics was a $30.00 cheap pair I had from a while back. Not been in gaming more than a year and never listened to music on the computer much.

You are correct and thats why I stated I had on board sound so people would know what I had at the time of comparing.

It's tough going on a review if you dont know what kind of system someone is using. What I was saying is the LTB sounded better than my on board with better bass mids and highs and had good directional sound. Then I purchased a better card then my old cheap phones sounded better.

I appreciate the links, im looking for a better pair without having to spend a fortune just for gaming.

ECA

01-22-2005, 11:22 AM

NOW,
This is mostly about the USB, headphones...
Has anyone USED the Plugin ones, that go to the sound card..

neuroking

01-22-2005, 12:41 PM

Hey Cham, stay tuned. we have a boatload of cans coming in for review over the next month and a half. I agree on thye point about reviews. I try to include my setup when I do a review, and I try to use semi-common setups (part of the reason there's no $500 headphone amp in them - most people simply don't use amps or want to pay the money that's required for a decent one)

And, it's been a while, but one of the issues was that USB headphones bypass any onboard sound, don't they? I thought they had their own drivers and sound chip in them. If this is the case, which I'm pretty sure it is, the quality of the LTB WON'T get better with a better sound card.

And ECA, really. I don't know a single person that uses UBS headphones. I have no plans to either!

ECA

01-22-2005, 01:59 PM

I see no reason to go to a USB sound when I have a GOOd sound card, as ANY sound card would/should be MUCH better.

Even Sound blaster, went to a USB driven sound card, and it SUCKED..

neuroking

01-22-2005, 06:11 PM

Actually the USB SBs are pretty good. Several recommend them for HTPCs on the AVS Forums. The connection via USB is digital, and digital is digital. The issue is that most USB headphones actually have to cram a soundchip in-line somewhere, either the cord or the headphone unit. The SB solution doesn't have this problem, since they actually use a decent quality breakout box, with good circuitry (relatively). The USB headphones just have a crappy onboard type soundchip embedded. USB soundcards and USB headphones are entirely different beasts. Soundcards are made with quality in mind, headphones with convienence.

Cham

01-26-2005, 03:36 AM

Yeah neuroking, You are correct about them useing their own sound and not the computers. At least the ones I had did. I just knew a good card had to be the way to go so thats what I did. Soundblaster and I baught the Bose Triport Just a couple days ago.

ECA, The site I got my LTB from had some for a card but at that time I only had onboard sound so I went with the USB for that reason. Just a guess but I would have to say they would be pretty nice for the price considering how good I thought the ones I had sounded. Just adding soundblaster Audigy 2 and my old $30.00 cans before the Bose was worlds of differance. I agree with you, You wouldn't need the USB if you already have a good card.

Thank's neuroking I will look forward to those reviews and hope I will not find I purchased the Triports to soon :)

ECA

01-26-2005, 11:56 AM

WELL,
If I had a laptop, and few other options, I might consider useing the USB types.

silentwolve

03-21-2005, 01:16 AM

okay, first of all, hello, ive been looking at headphones to replace the 4 year old ones i currently use which came with a cd player made by sony. anywho, i do all my product looking on newegg, then go to yahoo, type in the product name followed by review, and see what i get. for some reason, i cant find a bad review of 5.1 headphones UNTILL i come here. and you know what, ALL of the good reviews i found on the 5.1's just sounded like they came from a guy that didnt know what he was talking about. this is not solely on LTB products, but on sennheiser and kanyo and the other 5.1's on NEWEGG. now it is VERY difficult for me to read ALL of this good stuff and not believe it.
but, you all are very good at the ragging your doing on poor old jmil from LTB (i know your not poor you rich CSR with no credit and a very deep hole that you keep on digging) but that doesnt mean anything. i recently bought a pair of headphones from bestbuy. they were wireless stereo things that recharged on the stand, and this is when my infatuation with sound started. these things stank, the sony things im wearing right now sounded just as good if not better and dont make my ears sweat and cramp. im looking to you all for guidance. i dont want to spend more then $50-$60 on headphones (would like with a mic but it doesnt matter) and after the 2 weeks of research ive done, am no farther then when i started. i rested on the kanyo 5.1's on newegg right before finding this forum, then it struck me. your right. sure, there is three speakers. but WTF, they an inch from your ear, and the only thing that is making it sound any direction is the software. well, thanks for your time, you may continue your beating.
~Silent~

ECA

03-21-2005, 02:12 AM

Good that you found the site.
Iv said before, as again..
There is no PRO, with out con... Every product has good and bad things.
Unless you wear a helmit for sound, you wont get past stereo..NOT easily anyway.
and with the discussion, useing USB, is almost a waste, unless you JUST want stereo..And it would be decent for a laptop, and laptop speakers suck, most times.

THERE is a thought tho.
In the past 2-3 years ago, they came out with a speaker setup that made it SEEM like 3D sound with only 1-2 speakers. But i would think this works better in a SINGLE dedicated room...Like a computer room, stereo room, rather then a room FULL of many things, as most people do.

neuroking

03-21-2005, 02:18 AM

LOL! Yeah getting the right set of headphones is really tricky. Three major factors: How you intend to use them (computer, sleep, jogging, etc.), type of music, and price.

I would look into places with a generous return policy, like The Headroom. Audio specialists understand the subjectivity of auditioning headphones, and generally are a better bet than bulk dealers like Best Buy and eCost.

At $50-60 you're not going to find amazing cans. The Shure E2C (which fit into your ear canal), can be had for $65 if you look around. Another good cheap set of cans is the Koss KSC-55 (similar to the 35, but not as ugly. Haven't tried them on, but hopefully they're more comfortable). I'm not a big fan of Sony, but they seem to be pumping out some better products lately as they realize that people aren't buying names as much anymore. I would suggest lurking around the head-fi forum. They discuss everything from $10-$10000 cans with $25000 amps.

ECA

03-21-2005, 02:31 AM

PRICE is relitive...
the more relitives ya got, the less money..

Sorry to say, but it does ring true(it used to anyway)..
PRICE dont mean quality.. Its what you are willing to PAy, to get what you want. BE stingy...
CANt understand why, in the past we had some GREAT products, and NOW there is so MUCH CRAP out there. AND alot of it AINT cheap..
And JUST because it SAYS it can do something, dont MEAN it can do it WELL, or that you dont have to buy an ADD-on..

neuroking

03-21-2005, 02:55 PM

I think price comes into play most when you have every other factor accounted for. So, if you like Grado headphones, and they work for the usage you plan for them, then the more money you spend, generally, the better cans you get. That doesn't meant aht a $200 pair of Sonys will sound like a $200 of Grados...

And let's face it. Headphone posts are 99.9999999% time along the lined of "What's the best headphone for under $XXX?" or "Is Headphone X worth the extra $XXX oiver Headphone Y?" At the end of the day, people are buying something and they almost always have money on their mind.